BVI Team Named for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

July 13, 2026 by

Commonwealth Sport BVI (CSBVI) has officially announced the athletes and officials who will represent the Virgin Islands at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026 named the team of 7 track and 4 field athletes who will compete on a state-of-the-art new track at Scotstoun Stadium when competition kicks off on July 27.

Track athletes: Adaejah Hodge Women’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Women’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Beyoncé Defreitas Women’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Women’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Rikkoi Brathwaite – Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27), Jaleel Croal -Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Men’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Wanyaé Belle – Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Men’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Kaelyaah Liburd – Women’s 400m (Round 1 – July 28), Deya Erickson – Women’s 100m Hurdles (Round 1 – July 30)

Field athletes: Khybah Dawson – Men’s Long Jump (Round 1 – July 27), Djimon Gumbs – Men’s Shot Put (Round 1 – July 29), Chantel Malone – Women’s Long Jump (Qualifying Round – July 31), Kimberly Smith – Women’s Long Jump (Qualifying Round – July 31)

Hodge was named the flag bearer with Jaleel Croal named as the baton bearer and will carry the King’s Baton – uniquely decorated for the Virgin Islands by local artist Desiree Smith – into the arena at the Opening Ceremony.

“We are taking one of the strongest athletics teams the Virgin Islands has assembled for the Commonwealth Games. Several members return with valuable Games experience, while others will be making their debut on one of the world’s biggest multi-sport stages. We are confident they are prepared to compete at the highest level.” said Chapman.

Malone competed in long jump at Glasgow 2014 with a 4th place finish and a 5th place at Gold Coast 2018. Brathwaite, Defreitas and Gumbs all made their Commonwealth Games debuts at Birmingham 2022. It will be the first appearance for Hodge, Croal, Belle, Liburd, Dawson and Smith.

Speaking at the official team announcement, Commonwealth Sport BVI President Ephraim Penn acknowledged the unique challenge presented by the overlap between the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.

“This year has required tremendous collaboration between our National Federations and both organising committees to ensure our athletes have every opportunity to compete at the highest level. We appreciate everyone’s commitment to finding solutions that place our athletes first,” said Penn. “With such a successful season so far for our team members, we are excited to be bringing them to a world stage where they will put everything to the test as they aim for the highest results in these friendly Games.”

“Glasgow 2026 is a celebration of sport, culture and community and so it is our expectation that the experience will foster friendships between all athletes across the Commonwealth,” added Penn.

BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine praised the athletes’ preparation following an outstanding season that included impressive performances at the NACAC Championships and on the international circuit.

“Our athletes have shown throughout the season that they belong among the very best. They have trained exceptionally hard, achieved qualifying standards and continue to raise the profile of Virgin Islands athletics. We look forward to seeing them compete against some of the strongest nations in the Commonwealth.”

Attending the Games with the athletes are coaches Jean Carlos Arroyo, Michael Heimerman, Winston Potter, Karene Hodge and physiotherapists Thomas Jepperson and Sofie Slider. Desiree Smith will also be attending the Games, courtesy of the Premier and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Dr. The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley in recognition of her selection to decorate the Baton for the Territory.

The delegation will arrive in Glasgow ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 23 July.

Conducted every four years since inception in 1930, Glasgow 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games with approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 10 sports for championship titles. To date the Virgin Islands has participated in 9 Commonwealth Games since Auckland, New Zealand in 1990 with two championship medals secured by Kyron McMaster in the 400m hurdles at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

Following the withdrawal by the original host city, Victoria, Australia, Glasgow stepped forward to stage the 23rd Commonwealth Games with a streamlined programme featuring ten sports. The adjusted events removed squash, a sport that the BVI has been represented in at every Commonwealth Games since Melbourne 2006.

Updates on the team will be posted on the BVIOC Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Filed Under: Adaejah Hodge, Athletics, Beyoncé deFreitas, chantel malone, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Deya Erickson, Djimon Gumbs, Ephraim Penn, Glasgow 2026, Jaleel Croal, Kaelyahh Liburd, Khybah Daswon, Kimberly Smith, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Wanyae Belle Tagged With: , , ,

Commonwealth Sport BVI partners with HLSCC Center for Applied Marine Studies in Mangrove Planting Initiative to commemorate Commonwealth Day

March 9, 2026 by

Commonwealth Sport British Virgin Islands (CSBVI) partnered with the Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to support a mangrove planting as part of a Commonwealth Sport Caribbean-wide tree-planting initiative to mark Commonwealth Day celebrated on March 9. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the Caribbean region.

“Every year, Commonwealth Sport aims to undertake an activity that has a lasting impact on our communities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn – who is both President of CSBVI and Regional Vice-President for Commonwealth Sport Caribbean. “Our collaboration with the HLSCC Centre for Applied Marine Studies was a perfect demonstration of partnership in meaningful action against climate change while creating a greener future for our communities.”

The activity brought together high school students and community members to participate in the planting of mangrove seedlings grown through HLSCC’s Mangrove Nursery programme. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to restore coastal ecosystems across the British Virgin Islands following the significant loss of mangroves during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Mangroves play a critical role in protecting shorelines from erosion and storm damage while also serving as nursery habitats for juvenile reef fish and other marine life. They also help improve water quality and store carbon, making them an important component of climate resilience efforts in the Territory.

According to Ms. Suzan Zaluski, Head of Marine & Maritime Studies at HLSCC, the Mangrove Nursery was established in response to the widespread destruction of mangrove ecosystems caused by the hurricanes.

“The facility grows approximately 2,000 mangrove seedlings each year which are planted at degraded mangrove sites throughout the BVI,” she explained. “It provides a unique opportunity for community members to work alongside scientists and resource managers to restore coastal habitats that benefit the entire Territory.”

Since launching in 2020, the programme has collaborated with numerous community groups and schools to plant mangroves across several islands, including Tortola, Beef Island, Frenchman’s Cay, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda. The initiative also works in partnership with the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, which utilizes seedlings from the nursery to support restoration efforts in protected areas such as Prickly Pear Island and Sandy Cay.

The event also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in environmental stewardship. The Mangrove Nursery programme currently serves more than 350 local youth each year, providing opportunities for students and early-career professionals to participate in hands-on conservation activities.

Through initiatives like this, both CSBVI and HLSCC aim to inspire the next generation to take an active role in protecting the Territory’s natural environment.

Community groups and schools interested in participating in future mangrove planting or educational visits are encouraged to contact the HLSCC Mangrove Nursery programme for more information.

Filed Under: Commonwealth Sport BVI Tagged With:

CTL Home Center Commits US$10,000 to Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme, Pledges Continued Support Over Three Years

January 7, 2026 by

CTL Home Center has reinforced its commitment to sports excellence in the Virgin Islands (UK) with a second US$10,000 donation to the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in support of the Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship (THSEAS) Programme. The presentation, made on January 2 at the store’s location in Fish Bay, Tortola preceded a Meet & Greet with Olympian Kyron McMaster OBE.

The donation forms part of CTL Home Center’s three-year commitment to the programme, aimed at ensuring sustained support for the Territory’s top-performing athletes. The funds will be used to provide direct financial assistance to elite athletes, supporting critical needs such as training expenses, international competition travel, coaching services, medical and sports science support, and high-performance equipment. These resources are essential in allowing athletes to compete consistently at the highest levels while representing the Virgin Islands on the regional and global stage.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC, underscored the significance of sustained corporate partnerships in elite sport development.

“Elite performance requires long-term investment. CTL Home Center’s commitment over multiple years allows us to plan strategically and provide consistent support to our athletes as they progress through their competitive cycles. This partnership directly strengthens our high-performance programme,” Penn said. “The effectiveness of the THEAS programme has been proven over the years from when it was launched in 2012 with a fund of $50,000 to support Tahesia Harrigan, the territory’s leading athlete at the time. The fund allowed us to support 6 elite athletes in the last quadrennial – four of whom qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This quadrennial, we have nine athletes on the roster – all with their sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

Steve Augustine, President of the BVI Athletics Association, highlighted the practical impact of the funding on athlete readiness and performance.

“These funds address real and immediate needs faced by elite athletes, from access to quality training environments to the ability to compete internationally. Support of this nature plays a vital role in maintaining and elevating the standard of athletics and sport in the Virgin Islands,” Augustine stated.

Michael Thomas, Managing Director of CTL Home Center, explained the company’s motivation for investing in the programme and committing to long-term support.

“At CTL Home Center, we believe that supporting elite athletes is an investment in national pride, youth inspiration, and the future of the Virgin Islands. Our three-year commitment reflects our belief in sustained development and our desire to play a meaningful role in helping our athletes reach their full potential on the world stage,” Thomas said.

Thomas added that CTL Home Center views sport as a powerful platform for positive social impact, leadership development, and community unity, aligning closely with the company’s corporate values. The donation was made through the CTL Cares initiative – CTL’s platform for its ongoing commitment to community support, sponsorships, and partnerships that positively impact the Virgin Islands.

The 9 elite athletes include track and field athletes Kyron McMaster OLY, Chantel Malone OLY, Rikkoi Brathwaite OLY, Beyoncé De Freitas, Djimon Gumbs, Jaleel Croal, Kimberly Smith, Kaelyaah Liburd and Khybah Dawson. Representing the scholarship recipients, Olympian Kyron McMaster expressed appreciation for the continued backing and stability provided through the programme.

“Consistent support makes a tremendous difference in our preparation and performance. Knowing that partners like CTL Home Center are committed to us over the long term allows athletes to focus on training, recovery, and competition with confidence,” McMaster shared.

The event was moderated by Zebalon McLean, Member at Large of the BVIOC, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector, sporting bodies, and athletes in building a sustainable high-performance environment.

The Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme is designed to provide comprehensive support to the British Virgin Islands’ elite athletes as they prepare for major regional and international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. Sponsors of athletes preparing for Paris 2024 included CTL Home Center, DLT Solutions, Conyers, Capriccio di Mare, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Trident Trust (BVI) Ltd, Deloitte, Mrs. Vivian Lloyd, The Guana Fund, Republic Bank, BDO, Scrub Island Resort and Smiths Gore.

Filed Under: Athletics, Beyoncé deFreitas, BVI Olympic Committee, chantel malone, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Djimon Gumbs, Ephraim Penn, Jaleel Croal, Kaelyahh Liburd, Khybah Daswon, Kimberly Smith, Kyron McMaster, Olympic Solidarity, Panam Sports, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Tagged With: , , , ,

BVIOC /Commonwealth Sport BVI hold 2025 AGM

December 19, 2025 by
National Federations represented that the 2025 BVIOC/Commonwealth Sport AGM

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) / Commonwealth Sport BVI convened its combined 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 17 at its offices in Road Reef Plaza. The assembly brought together its Executive Board and National Federations to review progress, present annual reports, and outline priorities for the continued development of sport in the Territory.
 
BVIOC President Ephraim Penn presented his annual report, highlighting key strategic initiatives under the BVIOC’s 2025–2028 Plan, which focuses on strengthening national sports structures, athlete development, safeguarding, infrastructure improvements and long-term sustainability.
 
Treasurer Mark Chapman delivered the financial report, outlining prudent financial management and ongoing investment aimed at supporting athletes and National Federations. As Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, Chapman shared an overview of the Commonwealth Games as well as of the Central American Caribbean (CAC) Games and Olympic Youth Games respectively taking place next summer in Glasgow, Scotland and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and in Dakar, Senegal in November 2026.
 
Safeguarding Officer Sophie Brewley-Massiah provided an update on safeguarding measures and initiatives designed to protect athlete welfare and promote safe sport environments across all disciplines.
 
2nd Vice President Ashley Kelly reported on progress in collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health, particularly in relation to improving athlete access to wellness, rehabilitation and recovery facilities.
 
Member at Large Zebalon McLean shared updates on the Olympic Voices radio programme, which continues to amplify athlete stories and promote Olympic values throughout the Territory.
 
The AGM also featured updates from attending National Federations, including Archery, Athletics, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Surfing and Swimming, each outlining recent achievements, ongoing programmes and development plans.
 
The meeting reaffirmed the BVIOC’s commitment to fostering excellence, inclusion and athlete-centered development, while strengthening partnerships that support the growth of sport in the British Virgin Islands.

Filed Under: Archery, Ashley Kelly, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Football, Olympic Solidarity, Panam Sports, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Surfing, Swimming

BVI Gears Up for Glasgow 2026 King’s Baton Relay with Artist Desiree Smith to Decorate Ash Baton, Green VI to lead Territory-Wide Coastal Clean Ups

April 17, 2025 by
L-R Zebalon McClean, Member at Large, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Dylan Penn, Director of Operations, Green VI, Ephraim Penn, President Commonwealth Sport BVI, Desiree Smith, artist, Hon Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lloyd Black, Secretary General, Mark Chapman, Treasurer and Glasgow 2026 Chef de Mission with the King’s Baton at the King’s Baton Relay press briefing on April 16, 2025. Photo: Commonwealth Sport BVI

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is set to host the Glasgow 2026 King’s Baton Relay (KBR) from May 16–21, 2025, as part of the build-up to the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games. The BVI will be the 10th stop on the Baton’s global journey through the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

In a press briefing held on April 16 at the BVIOC Office, the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as Commonwealth Sport BVI (CSBVI), unveiled a dynamic series of community events and sustainability initiatives to mark the Baton’s arrival, alongside the exciting announcement of the artist selected to decorate the territory’s very own Baton.

Historic First

For the first time in the Relay’s history, each country will receive and decorate a unique Baton crafted from sustainable ash wood. The BVI’s decorated Baton will be proudly carried by the BVI delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, announced the selection of local visual artist, Desiree Smith as the official designer for the BVI Baton. Smith’s vibrant concept, which highlights the BVI’s natural beauty, culture, and sporting excellence, was selected from among invited proposals submitted from a short list of talented local artists that also included Lutia Durante, Tia Modeste, and Walden Benjamin.

Ephraim Penn, President Commonwealth Sport BVI, Desiree Smith, artist, Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture with the King’s Baton at the King’s Baton Relay press briefing on April 16, 2025. Photo: Commonwealth Sport BVI.

“Ms. Smith’s design captured the essence of the Virgin Islands in a way that was both bold and heartfelt,” said Hon. Hodge-Smith. “I am thrilled to announce that she will not only decorate the Baton, but the Honourable Premier has agreed that the Government of the Virgin Islands will be flying Ms. Smith to Glasgow to attend the Opening Ceremony as part of the BVI delegation. She will be hosted by the Premier at London House along with our Commonwealth Games team.”

Smith’s design includes three distinct panels—‘British Virgin Islands,’ ‘Colourful,’ and ‘Commonwealth Sport’—each infused with rich imagery, Territorial colors, and symbols representing the territory’s environment, culture, and athletic prowess.

“It’s a tremendous honour to represent the BVI in this way,” said Smith. “My goal was to make the Baton a vibrant expression of who we are as a people—our love for our land, our culture, and the pride we carry into every sporting arena. I hope when people see our Baton in Glasgow, they’ll immediately feel the warmth and spirit of the Virgin Islands.”

The artist will use acrylic paints, permanent markers, glitter, rhinestones, adhesives, and varnish to create a design that is both durable and striking on the international stage.

The artist selection process was overseen by Creative Waves, a cultural development initiative led by Director, Sophie Stanton. “Desiree’s submission stood out for its bold use of colour, layered symbolism, and emotional resonance,” said Stanton. “This project was about showcasing the richness of our creative community, and we’re proud of every artist who submitted. Desiree’s Baton will be a beacon of BVI pride on the world stage.”

Sustainability

The KBR celebration in the BVI will feature community-centered events, including school visits, a Baton relay through Road Town on May 20, and a coastal clean-up initiative on May 17 led by Green VI in support of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign emphasizing sustainability as a feature of the KBR.

“We are excited as an environmental NPO to be partnering with Commonwealth Sport BVI in this worthwhile event,” said Dylan Penn, Director of Operations, Green VI. “The changes demonstrate the shared value of sustainability and cultural pride. We are planning a public coastline collection of litter across the Virgin Islands including Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, Setting Point in Anegada, Road Town, Tortola and Taddy Bay in Virgin Gorda. We are not only collecting but we are sorting and categorizing the litter to see what we can recycle and upcycle All persons are encouraged to participate.”

Ephraim Penn, President, CSBVI noted, “This new model of the Baton Relay emphasizes sustainability, inclusion, and national pride. We are excited to celebrate with our communities through the planned activities and to share our story with the Commonwealth. We also look forward to announcing the Baton bearers for the relay and sharing the details of the handover spots through media announcements, on our website and on social media.”

Ahead of the announcement, Mark Chapman, Treasurer, CSBVI and Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, shared the dates for the Games to be held in Scotland, UK from July 23 – August 2, 2026, along with an overview of the 10 sports in which athletes will compete.

“The number of sports has been cut down from 20 to 10 and includes athletics, 3×3 basketball, bowls, boxing, judo, netball, power lifting, swimming, track cycling and weightlifting. The BVI has been represented at Games in athletics, squash, swimming, 3×3 basketball and cycling. We have registered 12 athletes who will be confirmed ahead of the Games,” said Chapman.

Local artist Desiree Smith was selected to decorate the Baton for the Glasgow 2026 King’s Baton Relay in the BVI. Photo Commonwealth Sport BVI
Dylan Penn, Director of Operations, Green VI will lead the coastal clean up as part of the sustainability campaign for the Glasgow 2026 Kings Baton Relay in the BVI. Photo: Commonwealth Sport BVI
Filed Under: 3x3 basketball, Athletics, BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Cycling, Glasgow 2026, Kings Baton Relay, Squash, Swimming Tagged With: , , , ,